Video games take inspiration from all manner of things, but one area that has become popular as a source of inspiration is the Vikings. As everyone knows, the Vikings were settlers who made their way across Northern Europe. And the Viking story and what they go up to has gone down in history, making it perfect for the plot of games.
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla
Assassin’s Creed games have become renowned over the years for delving into history and bringing times of the past back to life. And in Valhalla, players will be enjoying a game through the eyes of a Viking assassin known as Eivor. In typical Assassin’s Creed style, visually, Valhalla is seriously impressive, with both Norway and the United Kingdom featuring in all their graphical splendour. Ubisoft, the creators of Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, find the perfect mix of historical accuracy as well as dramatisation to take the game and the excitement levels to the next level.
Vikings Go Berzerk
As you will expect, as well as video games, the Vikings have inspired most areas of the industry. Therefore, it would be no surprise to know that even reputable gaming and casino brands like Gala Casinowill always offer Viking-themed slot titles as part of their huge selection of games. Yggdrasil’s Vikings Go Berserk is undoubtedly one of the best, because it captures everything the settlers were about while giving players the chance to win excellent prizes along the way. The slot has five reels and twenty-five paylines and has a free spins mode that is as enjoyable as they come. And, with sticky wilds in tow, it can become a hugely popular round as a result. There are plenty of surprises included along the way too.
Valheim
Valheim has to be one of the best video games released in 2021, which may have come as a surprise to some, but not to those who played the game. Players are effectively dropped into Valheim, and must quickly learn the ways of the Viking if they’re to survive, which includes exploring, building and hunting. What’s interesting is that as a player’s story develops, so does the world they’re in, and don’t forget there is the choice to go it alone or to group up with friends to take on the adventure together. And what really brings everything together are the visuals. They’re stunning, and they make the journey more immersive.
Skyrim
We finish with an iconic game that goes down as an all-time great in Skyrim. Out of all the Elder Scrolls titles, Skyrim is head and shoulders above the rest as a Norse-inspired game, making it perfect for those interested in Vikings. When playing Skyrim, players can immerse themselves in a Viking-inspired role-playing adventure. And, because Skyrim is a PC game that has been around for a decade, there are all sorts of mods that will develop the Viking experience further. Think Viking weapons, items and clothing, and you’ll be on the right track. It’s even possible to play in virtual reality to take the experience to the next level.
With Christmas less than 2 months away, we take a closer look at the GOMATIC Toiletry Bag 2.0.
The GOMATIC Toiletry Bags come in two sizes; Pick the size that works best for you. Both are made with durable, water-resistant materials and zippers to ensure there are no leaks and your toiletries stay protected. An optional hanging strap and dedicated toothbrush pocket are a few of the many features that make these the most functional toiletry bags ever.
Sizes
Small : (L/W/H) 26.7 x 13 x 4.3 cm
Regular : (L/W/H) 26.7 x 13 x 7.9 cm
The GOMATIC Toiletry Bag 2.0 is a really great addition when you are travelling, whether it’s for a night or for a two week holiday.
The GOMATIC Toiletry Bag 2.0 is available now priced around £54.99 for the small bag and £74.99 for the regular bag.
Trust is a commodity that is hard-won but easily lost. Subsequently, you must focus your time, effort, and resources if you want to form a healthy bond. In Potion Permit, you’ll learn this lesson the hard way! Though you have good intentions, the surrounding world is weary of your presence. As such, you’ll put your heart and soul on the line to win everyone over.
Developed by MassHive Media and published by PQube Limited, this is an adventure RPG title. What’s more, it has resource management elements and will remind players of Harvest Moon or Stardew Valley. Accordingly, it has a moralistic plot and will bowl you over with its old-world charms. Furthermore, you’ll lose yourself in its cute environment as you try to prove everyone wrong.
The wonderful village of Moonbury.
Potion Permit combines many elements.
This genre is much-loved by an eclectic blend of gamers. Thanks to the wonderful mixture of elements on display, it’ll tick every box. With a heartfelt story, adorable characters, interesting quests, resource management, renovation, and combat, there is plenty to do. However, the approach is laid back, and this prevents the gameplay from feeling overwhelming. Consequently, you can take your time, plan your day, and enjoy everything you do.
The plot revolves around a quaint island called Moonbury. Here, the people live a simple life and they have no time for outsiders. However, when the mayor’s daughter falls ill, only the best chemist will be able to save her. Unsurprisingly, that person is you! Without hesitation, you accept the Medical Association’s request and travel to the island. Here, you’ll discover a suspicious group of locals and a rundown clinic. Accordingly, once you heal the mayor’s daughter, you must help the locals, form a trusting bond with the island residents, and rebuild the village. Sounds a lot, right? Well, it’s all in a day’s work for the world’s best chemist.
Mini-games and exploration.
Though there are an awful lot of components to understand, the action effectively revolves around 2 key mechanics. As such, every task requires you to explore the surroundings, or play mini-games to earn money, complete jobs, or brew potions. The latter is the most important, as every pivotal moment hinders on your alchemy and understanding of chemistry. Sadly, the locals are a sickly bunch. Whether it’s a tickly cough, a sprained wrist, or something more sinister, they’ll visit your clinic for medical assistance. Here, you must identify their wounds, pick a relevant potion, lotion, or ointment, and then brew it. Yet, if only it was that easy. Unfortunately, you can only get ingredients by exploring beyond the village walls. Subsequently, this is where the 2 key components are intertwined wonderfully.
You’ll spend your time searching the meadows, icy tundra, sandy deserts, or more as you find key ingredients. As such, you’ll use a sickle to cut at plants, an axe to chop trees, and a hammer to smash rocks. Alongside this, you’ll have enemies to defeat to collect key resources. Yet, you must hunt wisely, as each potion requires a set blend of ingredients. Therefore, if you get the wrong ones, you won’t be able to brew your potions, your patients will remain ill, and any minor smattering of trust will be diminished.
The pub is the hub of the town.
Puzzles, stamina, and renovation.
I’ve alluded to the potion crafting mechanics within Potion Permit. However, I haven’t mentioned the puzzling components. Subsequently, creating a desired elixir requires some thought processes and set ingredients. Whether you pick up slime, rocks, ore, flowers, shells, or more, they must be combined correctly to be successful. Think of Tetris and the odd shapes, and you’ll understand what I’m getting at. Each ingredient must slot into a set pattern, and no gaps may be left. Moreover, depending on the size of your cauldron, you may only use limited resources per potion. Consequently, you can’t just throw together any ingredients and this makes it a bit more challenging.
Once you get your head around the brilliant crafting mechanics, you’ll have to deal with stamina and health. As you fight or harvest resources, your stamina and health are reduced. Therefore, you must plan how to spend your day if you want to progress faster. If you so wish, you can reinvigorate yourself at the local spa, but this uses up time and isn’t always convenient.
Talking of time and, therefore, effort, the townsfolk are demanding. They’ll ask you to complete quests, rebuild the surroundings, and do other inane tasks. However, though it may seem irrelevant and inconsequential, these minor odd jobs are essential. First, they help to build trust, and this is key. Second, they pay handsomely, and this helps to upgrade your equipment and improve your home. Finally, the improvements to the village are key if you wish to progress the game. Consequently, without them, the action plateaus and you become stuck in a repetitive loop.
Potion Permit is a pastel dream.
This genre has created some memorable titles. Thankfully, Potion Permit is up there with the best. Though its aesthetics are pixelated and dated, the pastel colour scheme adds to the charming finish. What’s more, the simple animations and rudimentary sprites add a retro finish that is hard to resist. Alongside this, there is a pleasant variety of environments that kept things fresh. Furthermore, there are enough enemies to ensure you rarely tire of what you see.
The folksy and dramatic soundtrack was perfect. They added energy and pace to an otherwise slow-paced affair. This was an excellent choice from the developers and one that showed a mature mindset. Furthermore, the fun sound effects enhance the fantasy elements of this unusual magical title.
Fancy some fishing?
Excellent controls.
Like Harvest Moon and Stardew Valley, Potion Permit has easy-to-understand controls. With a stripped-back UI and some helpful guides, it is simple to pick up. Though much of the action is slow and methodical, the inputs are still responsive. This was particularly helpful during each of the interesting and fun mini-games. Moreover, as you undertake each task, accuracy is a must. Thankfully, the speedy inputs ensure that each job can be completed with ease.
The central plot comprises many quests and plenty of regions to explore. Consequently, there is loads to do and lots to see. However, it doesn’t end there. No, you’ll have to heal each of the locals as well as renovate the village. As such, once the story is finished, you’ll keep coming back for more.
Potion Permit is a great indie title.
The gaming market is awash with indie titles. Accordingly, it is tough to pick an amazing game. Yet, Potion Permit is a great adventure RPG that is a must-play experience. With a charming setting, adorable characters, interesting monsters, and fantastic aesthetics, it will impress you. It is for these reasons that I recommend you buy it here! Can you appease the locals, renovate the village, and work your magic? Brew some potions, kill some monsters, and save the day.
With Christmas less than 2 months away, we take a closer look at the RUKUSfx.
Move, mix, and create with RUKUSfx, a hand-held motion-controlled music mixer! With 4 simple moves – punch, swipe, twist, and flick – creators can loop, mix and remix personalised music tracks sure to take shows to the next level.
Limitless Music Options: RUKUSfx lets users create original DJ-style mixes from 100 pre-loaded music tracks. Plus, with over 80 built-in sound effects to choose from, you can create limitless musical masterpieces. Users can also upload and mix chart-topping songs from their favourite musical artists!
Your Personal Stage: Use the built-in microphone to capture extra vocal tracks or sound effects and include them in your own viral remixes. You can even record your performances and share them with friends and family on social media! RUKUSfx is the soundtrack to your imagination!
Built-in Light Features: Of course, no performance is complete without a fantastic light show. That’s why RUKUSfx has a built-in LED display that pulses and changes colours with every move. It’s the perfect way to express your audio- visual talents!
Features
Contents: 1x RUKUSfx handheld music mixer with built-in speaker, headphone jack and USB-C port
Create original DJ Style mixes from included music tracks and sound effects
Upload and remix your favourite tunes
Loop and mix created tunes. Punch, swipe, twist, and flick to create your own mix
Choose and tailor 100 mixable music tracks and 80 sound effects
No other device needed
Dimensions: 20L x 9W x 28H cm
Battery operated. Requires 3 x AAA (not included)
A Closer Look
Unleash Your Inner Musician! Whether you’re performing for a crowd of one or one million, RUKUSfx is ready to rock right out of the box.
The RUKUSfx is available now priced around £49.99 and would make a really fun Christmas present. It’s an excellent gift for content creators and music lovers aged 6 years and up!
From playing the Crash Bandicoot games as a kid, to being captivated with The Last of Us as an adult, creatively, Naughty Dog’s titles have always piqued my interest. This sentiment also rings true for their fabled Uncharted series. The characters, narratives, and the Indian Jones-esque adventures, were, and still are, right up my alley in terms of aesthetics.
For those unaware, Uncharted is a 3rd person, action-adventure series made by the aforementioned Naughty Dog. The bundle that we will be discussing today contains the remastered editions of Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End, and, its stand alone DLC, The Lost Legacy. To put it lightly, both of these games are awesome. And for reasons we will get into, may contain the best content the franchise has ever offered.
Review focus.
Before getting into the review though, I want to touch base on what I’ll be covering here.
The Lost Legacy takes places roughly a year after the conclusion of the main game. Although the stories obviously differ, the gameplay and graphics fundamentally remain the same. As such, to avoid narrative spoilers, the bulk of this review will be dedicated towards Uncharted 4. If I feel the need to point out something relating to The Lost Legacy specifically, then I will do so directly.
Story
A Thief’s End Synopsis.
Set 3 years after the third game, Nathan “Nate” Drake, our charming protagonist, has long since retired from his days as a fortune hunter. Instead, he has settled down with his wife Elena, and now works as a diver for a local salvaging company. Regrettably however, his quiet life isn’t destined to last long.
Sam, Nate’s brother, and someone he previously thought to be dead, reappears out of the blue one day. Although this should’ve been a happy occasion, the pleasantries are cut short when Sam reveals that his life is in immediate danger.
He is being forced to recover Henry Avery’s lost treasure on behalf of the criminal overlord, Hector Alcazar. Knowing he can’t conceivably do this by himself, Sam hopes to recruit Nate on his impossible expedition. Although reluctant at first, Nate eventually agrees to this, and the pair subsequently set off on one final adventure.
A satisfying conclusion to one of the most beloved characters.
Veteran fans of the series may be disappointed to learn that there aren’t any supernatural elements to the narrative. Fortunately, this grounded approach allows a larger emphasis to be placed onto the characters themselves, resulting in their motives, interactions, and relationships feeling more authenticated, and emotionally charged.
This new direction personally cemented A Thief’s End as my favourite in the series. Ergo, I have to give props to the directors, Neil Druckmann and Bruce Straley, along with their co-writer, Josh Scherr, for having the foresight to go down this route. My only concern with this change is it somewhat relies on the player being familiar with the characters backgrounds. Which, in turn, leads us onto…
Now, you may be wondering why we didn’t start with the original Uncharted. We felt that, while Nathan Drake’s first three adventures from the PlayStation 3 console still stand the test of time narratively, they would require a major overhaul visually to stand-up to modern PC releases and the expectations players may have.
The Uncharted franchise comprises standalone adventures that players new and old can jump into, and so while there’s still incredible stories and character development in those first three games, we felt players could easily dive into Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End…
In short, it was more cost efficient to port the two PS4 entries, rather than remaking the original trilogy. Truth be told, this isn’t a shocking revelation. However, it is my belief, along with many others, that releasing it in this order is detrimental for newcomers.
Yes, I agree with Sony that new players are still likely to enjoy these games at their core. Still, they aren’t likely to connect with the story in the way Naughty Dog intended them too. If Sony wanted to publish another PlayStation exclusive to PC, why not go for The Last of Us Part 1? Or, how about a niche cut like Medievil? Better yet, how about an endlessly requested title like Bloodborne? The reason, as I am sure many of you have concluded for yourselves, is money. And although this isn’t surprising, ultimately, it is still disappointing.
Thankfully, the gameplay isn’t something you’ll need prior experience for.
Gameplay that makes you feel like a movie star.
Gameplay sections are broken down into combat and exploration scenarios. The former involves engaging in a cover-based system that is akin to Gears of War, albeit, slightly more movie like. You dash from cover to cover, avoid enemy gunfire, and then find opportune moments to retaliate back. Although it is responsive and entertaining, these sequences aren’t that much different from the earlier Uncharted iterations.
On the other hand, the stealth-based segments have been revamped completely. They now come with additional mechanics including enemy tagging, and dedication indicators. Likewise, hand-to-hand fighting has also been improved upon, allowing allies and enemies to freely assist each other. These system overhauls help to create a natural flow to the combat cycle.
Outside of action set pieces, you’ll also encounter a fair number of puzzles to solve. Some examples include a connect the dots style minigame, and a mechanical combination jigsaw. These aren’t extremely challenging, but they do require some time to figure out and complete.
Exploration that rivals Tomb Raider.
Uncharted 4’s exploration hasn’t changed all that much from its precursors either. In fact, the only new addition to the toolset is that of a grappling hook. You get to swing on broken beams, questionably sturdy boxes, and basically anything that it can latch onto. It is undeniably fun, even if it is a little outlandish at times. One scene in particular is absolutely ridiculously, but it is also unbelievably amusing. I don’t want to spoil it, but trust me, you’ll know what I’m talking about when you get there.
Other than that, you run around, find ledges to climb on, make precarious jumps, and maybe even find hidden collectables along the way. I’m far from the first person to state this, but if you’ve ever played the PS2 Tomb Raider games, then you’ll know what you’re in for here.
Open world elements.
Although most of the chapters in Uncharted 4 are linear, there are some that delve into free form exploration. During these moments, you’ll get to explore around open ended environments, typically while driving a vehicle, and discover noteworthy landmarks. Interestingly, The Lost Legacy’s version of these sections contain open world ideologies. If this is any indication as to what the series future holds, then the future appears to be bright.
Port performance.
For those interested, the ports performance is practically flawless. I ran both game on ultra, using a 1080p monitor, and retained a solid 60 frames per second throughout. There is a large number of settings which can be tweaked to find your PCs optimal setup. Sadly, the accessibility options aren’t nearly as all-encompassing as they were in The Last of Us Part 2. This means if you require specific settings to cater to a disability, then you may be out of luck. Other than that oversight though, this port is very good.
Jaw dropping graphics.
As is standard with all Naughty Dog titles, the graphical fidelity is top tier. The sprawling and varied landscapes are showcased in stunning clarity, most of which can be attributed to the high-quality textures created using the substance toolkit. To keep things simple, this effectively allows the in-game objects to remain hyper detailed and keep the game running smoothly. It also doesn’t matter if the objects in question are up close or at a distance, they’ll always appear crisp.
Unsurprisingly, the character models are equally admirable. Minute features such as pores, skin indentation and wrinkles, have all been rigorously illustrated. Best of all, the animations are inconceivably lifelike due to the motion and facial capture technologies. It’s truly awe-inspiring just how silky smooth the cutscenes are. Even more so when you learn they are rendered in real time.
I did encounter some visual hiccups here and there. For example, during one cutscene, Nate locked into place as the rest of the scene progressed around him normally. Although it broke my immersion, it was pretty negligible, and I cannot deny that it was also funny to watch. Similarly, I also spotted object culling in areas I probably shouldn’t have. This occurred way more than it should have, but I’ll put this down to outdated techniques.
Soundtracks that live up to their predecessors.
Upon hearing that Greg Edmonson wasn’t a part of either project, I was a bit sceptical about the OSTs living up to my expectations. After learning that Henry Jackson was his replacement, I was more than certain that they would. And, I wasn’t disappointed.
Musically, the soundtracks are, for a lack of a better word, more mature. The arrangements are masterfully put together, using a plethora of orchestral instrumentation to highlight a wide range of emotions. I personally can’t help but feel a mix of nostalgia and melancholy whilst listening to them in isolation. For my money, Henry Jackson has created the best all-round soundtracks to date.
Star studded cast that brings their A game.
I’ve already discussed how fantastic the motion and facial capture was in both games. But it would be negligent to overlook the spectacular group of actors behind that technology. After all, the cast here is beyond stacked, including the likes of Nolan North, Emily Rose, Troy Baker, and Laura Bailey, to name but a few. The genuine believability they brought to their character made it so much easier to get impassioned with their outcomes. 10/10 performances across the board.
Conclusion
Overall, the Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection is fantastic value for money. Both titles play and run exceptionally well, offering an immersive and engaging gameplay experience. The environments and character models are unbelievably lifelike, and the OST features a mature take on the Uncharted sound. Narratively, A Thief’s End is arguable the strongest in the series, especially if you’re already familiar with Nate’s story.
Consequently, you may want to wait this one out until you’ve had the opportunity to play through the original trilogy. However, if you aren’t too fussed with the lifetime story of Nate, then jumping in here is also a viable option. Regardless of which way you go, this package is definitely worth picking up.
The idea that you are flung miles away from your home and safety is daunting. However, with some guts and bravery, maybe you can right this wrong, and understand why things have happened. This is the crux of Aniquilation. It is a sci-fi title that relies heavily on its action and not so much on its story.
Developed by R-Next and published by Gamera Game, this is a futuristic twin-stick shooter. What’s more, it can be played solo or with others, and it is unfairly hectic. In short, it’s a game that doesn’t let up, not even for one minute. Now, this could put off some players, but I enjoyed the madness even if the core mechanics were somewhat well-trodden. Yet, familiar elements shouldn’t put you off, as long as they are well executed. So, shall we jump in and see how this game performs? Yeah, why not?
Enjoy the mini-game between each mission.
Aniquilation has a throwaway story.
I’m not a gamer that demands an epic story in order to enjoy myself. In fact, at times, I like to be chucked in the deep end with a little explanation of what is going on. Consequently, when this clichéd story of sci-fi terror unfolded, I was neither bothered nor was I impressed. Instead, I awaited the start of each micro mission, without caring too much for the characters or their plight.
You are a pilot of an advanced ship that is lost in space. Sadly, this is preventing you from returning home, and solving the mystery that impacts your people and your homeland. However, there is light at the end of the tunnel as you complete an array of missions and piece together your journey and its root cause. If you do this, you’ll discover why you became lost in the first place and potentially you’ll save your people.
As you can see, it’s not that original, and it lacks oomph. However, I still enjoyed it on a rudimentary level, and I liked how well the pace flowed. Yet, it won’t win any awards, and you are likely to dislike most of the clichéd characters. As such, its central story is pretty forgettable, and this was a shame.
Destroy everything in sight.
Challenging gameplay.
So, the story isn’t fantastic, but could the gameplay save the day? Well, yes, and no. If you love relentless and almost unfair action, then Aniquilation will be right up your street. From the off, the alien vessels are never-ending, and each mission is awash with destruction, fast robots, and giant mechs. Subsequently, the only time you get to take a break is when you die, or the mission is complete. This may seem like an interesting idea, but sadly, it is poorly executed, and exhausting to experience. Therefore, what should have been enjoyable is not! Instead, it is tedious, uncomfortable, and poorly balanced.
The action revolves around micro missions on small planets. During each stage, you’ll have to overcome robotic aliens while destroying buildings, collecting new ammo, and grabbing power-ups. In between this, you’ll “enjoy” a strange mini-game that asks you to avoid asteroids and gather collectables. This was a nice break away from the combat elements, but it was too detached from the core concept that it felt like an afterthought. This aside, you are expected to use your guns, a sword, and your enemies as projectiles. If you can master the use of your weapons, you’ll complete each level. If, on the other hand, you struggle, you’ll die and you’ll fail that stage.
This doesn’t seem like a big ask, but the main elements are too messy to fully comprehend. Furthermore, with so many robots vying for your blood, it can be hard to work out what to do. Accordingly, it quickly becomes a headache and the enjoyment levels are all but diminished before you even begin.
Aniquilation doesn’t look great.
Sadly, another shortcoming is Aniquilation’s poor graphics. The lack of details, the OTT explosions, and the tough-to-follow action make it really difficult to play. What’s more, the zoom function isn’t smooth enough, and the gameplay is far too clunky. It’s a shame, as the concept is phenomenal. It’s just poorly executed at every opportunity. However, I did like the rich colour palette and the attempt to vary the settings. On top of this, I enjoyed the random nature of the terraforming planets. Subsequently, I wish the developers had maintained this level of quality throughout.
Another area I adored was the awesome audio. The loud and aggressive soundtrack was surprisingly good, as were the excellent sound effects. Though I didn’t enjoy the madness that unfolded, the audio worked perfectly to set the scene.
A giant sci-fi football to enjoy.
It was tough to play.
In theory, the controls weren’t complicated. However, with so much going on, you often lost track of what you were doing. Consequently, you’d forget to swing your sword, be shooting for no reason at all, or just fall into a fiery pit. Whatever happened, it was annoying as hell. Alongside this, it lacked finesse. Like an early hack ‘n’ slash title, you just smashed the buttons and hoped for the best. Disappointingly, this is another example of where Aniquilation falls way short of the standard required.
Multiplayer action always enhances longevity and replay value. However, I couldn’t find anyone to experience this game with. As such, I can’t comment on the scale of cooperative fun, or if it even worked at all. Other than this, you’ll enjoy some longevity, as the core story is bloody hard work. If you can stomach repeated destruction and death, then you’ll love what’s going on. However, if this isn’t for you, you’ll probably tire of Aniquilation pretty quickly.
Aniquilation didn’t impress me.
On paper, I should have adored Aniquilation. The short, sharp rounds combined with a basic story should have caught my attention. Yet, instead, I was left frustrated by a poorly executed game that should have done much more. It is for these reasons that I don’t recommend you buy it. However, more information can be found here! Can you solve the mystery and save your people? Complete each mission, piece together the facts, and become a hero.
With Christmas less than 2 months away, we take a look at Baked by Steph, a company that produces yummy products.
This is what Baked by Steph posts on their website:
“Hi, I’m Steph and I officially started Baked by Steph back in Jan 2019.
After years of working in fashion and web design I was itching for a new way to use my creative skills. Enter baking.
It all started out as an after-work hobby back in 2018 which quickly turned into an obsession with all things baked. I spent my days working at a web design agency while honing my baking and decorating skills by night (along with developing a pretty serious coffee addiction!). Everything I saw had to be turned into a cookie. Why, you ask? I honestly have no idea! But it became my absolute passion.
SIDE HUSTLE TO MAIN HUSTLE
What began as treats for friends soon became treats for friends of friends, until finally, what had started as a hobby snowballed into a full-time job. At the end of 2018 I finally bit the bullet and officially traded in websites and project management for kitchen scales and cookie dough. And thus Baked by Steph was born!
HANDMADE IN EAST LONDON
In the beginning it was just little old me baking up a storm (and creating a total mess) from my tiny Camden flat with an oven that could fit a maximum of 20 cookies at a time. Soon I outgrew my tiny home kitchen, put on my big girl pants and found myself a totally grown-up commercial bakery in East London.
Two years, one pandemic and one move later, East London remains our home. Along the way I’ve welcomed 15 baking, creative and digital superstars on board my team to help make my dream of delivering joy to doorsteps across the UK a reality.”
We were lucky enough to receive two different offerings from Baked by Steph – spoiler, neither offering lasted very long!
PERSONALISED BLUE BAUBLE LETTERBOX COOKIE
Pre-threaded with a luxury satin ribbon, this beautiful gift will be the tastiest decoration on their tree, that is if they can resist eating it right away! Add a message up to 20 characters to make it extra personal.
Priced at £11.95.
PERSONALISED FIRESIDE CHRISTMAS LETTERBOX COOKIES
’Twas the night before Christmas and all the cosy fireside vibes were being felt! Feel warm and bright with our Fireside Christmas cookies. Add their name to the bauble cookie for an extra personal touch!
Priced at £28.50.
They not only looked amazing, they tasted amazing too. They really didn’t last very long! There are lots of different offering to choose from, not just Christmas ones!
If you sign up to their newsletter you will also get 15% off your first order.
Here is our review of the Nano Enhanced Wired Controller for Xbox Series X and S.
Smaller, lighter and easier to navigate, the Nano Enhanced Wired Controller for Xbox Series X|S is built for players who refuse to let bulky standard-sized controllers interfere with their game.
Features
Smaller and more portable than standard Xbox controllers
Two mappable Advanced Gaming Buttons
Features superior ergonomics and intuitive button layout
Immersive dual rumble motors
Standard 3.5mm stereo headset jack for in-game audio
Share Button to capture and share screenshots and clips
Officially licensed by Xbox for Xbox Series X|S and compatible with Xbox One and Windows 10/11
What’s in the box?
The box contains the Nano controller, cable, manual, and a month of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.
A Closer Look
Final Thoughts
The Nano is smaller than a standard Xbox controller – but that’s the point. But it’s not too small that its either uncomfortable to use or feels too small in your hands.
The controller feels comfortable to use and has a diamond textured grip so even if you hands start to get a little sweaty you should still be able to keep hold of the controller. There are dual rumble motors within the controller too.
It’s a wired controller, so you need to plug it into your Xbox. Don’t worry though as there’s a decent length cable in the box, so for most people it should be fine.
There’s a 3.5mm audio jack on the controller so you can plug in your headset too.
There are two advanced gaming buttons which are mappable should you need to use them.
You can also use the Nano for PC gaming too.
Overall this is a great little controller and one worth taking a look at.
The Nano Enhanced Wired Controller for Xbox Series X and S is available now priced around £29.99 and is available in either Black or Lilac.
Here is our Two Minute Review of the iPhone 14 Pro Max Leather Case from Mujjo.
– Vegetable-tanned Ecco leather ages beautifully, rated Gold for environmental standards. – MagSafe for quick and easy wireless charging, compatible with MagSafe accessories. – Machined metal buttons for extra clickiness and responsiveness. – 1mm raised leather bezel protects screen from abrasive surfaces. – Neatly covers the base, without obstructing speakers or charging port. – Raised rear-camera bump protects the lenses. – Lined with luxurious Japanese microfibre with a satin-like finish. – Over time, the leather acquires a patina unique to your use. – Super-slim profile: fully wrapped with premium-quality leather. – Fits 6.7-inch iPhone 14 Pro Max.
A Closer Look
Final Thoughts
If you own an iPhone 14 Pro Max then you will want to keep it protected, after all it’s a very expensive piece of kit. You don’t just want to protect it, you also want to keep it looking good.
That’s where the iPhone 14 Pro Max Leather Case from Mujjo comes in. Not only does it protect your iPhone, it looks good too! Made of full-grain vegetable-tanned ecco leather, it’s lightweight and doesn’t add much to the size of the phone.
Add to the fact it’s also MagSafe compatible and you’ve got yourself a great case!
The iPhone 14 Pro Max Leather Case from Mujjo is available now priced around £54 and comes in either Black, Tan or Monaco Blue.
Theft is often viewed as a victimless crime. However, how would you feel if you were the target? Whenever this happens, you’ll feel a range of emotions. Fear, anxiety, shock, and anger are, to name but a few. Yet, it matters not what you first experience, as they all manifest into a fiery ball of rage and revenge. This is exactly what happens in Warhammer 40,000: Shootas, Blood & Teef. It is a lighthearted Warhammer 40k title that is also gory, violent, and undeniably addictive.
Developed and published by Rogueside, this is an adventure action platformer. What’s more, it can be enjoyed solo or with up to 3 friends and has masses of gore and guns. On top of this, it retains much of the franchise’s lore, even if it is told in a dark and humorous manner. Consequently, you’ll wince, laugh, and be challenged from the beginning to end.
Warhammer 40,000: Shootas, Blood & Teef is absurd.
Whenever the words Warhammer 40k are muttered, I have visions of epic tales, fantasy settings, and grim creatures. However, what I don’t expect is a silly story about theft, revenge, and a hair squig. Yep, you read that right; the plot revolves around an Orcish toupee. Subsequently, you kinda understand immediately that the developers don’t take themselves too seriously. Moreover, they want their title to be easy to pick up and simple to understand.
Thankfully, Warhammer 40,000: Shootas, Blood & Teef delivers this vision in abundance. You control a warrior orc who loves to hunt humans, shoot guns, and look fashionable at the same time. However, your warlord is a bit of a selfish prick, and he likes to steal what doesn’t belong to him. Accordingly, while you are mowing down humans, your boss decides to steal your hair squig. Moreover, to rub salt into the wound, he betrays you as he kicks you out of a moving plane.
I know what you are thinking. That warlord is a bit of a dick. Well, revenge is a dish best served cold, and you have plenty of time to kick his ass. Yet, you cannot let your feelings get in the way of your core mission. As such, you must continue your frenzied invasion as you carve a path through the humans. If you are fortunate, you’ll amass an army of orcs to help you to complete your goals, defeat your old warlord, and get back what is rightfully yours.
Mmmmm, that looks delicious.
A combination of genres.
Normally, I’m not a fan of hybrid titles. Often, they are messy, poorly executed, and leave you wanting. Yet, Warhammer 40,000: Shootas, Blood & Teef does a great job of combining platforming tropes with fast-paced twin-stick shooting elements. The result is a tough but rewarding blood bath that pushes you at every stage.
The gameplay follows a repetitive loop of arena combat, gargantuan bosses, and purchasing new equipment. Now, this may sound tedious, but it isn’t. The developers incorporated a fine balance of grunts, snipers, tanks, and other difficult orcs to overcome. What’s more, you must scour each stage to collect Dakka (money) to purchase new weapons. On top of this, there are some basic platforming mechanics to add depth and challenge to the action.
Once you get to the finale of each world, it culminates in an epic boss battle. These encounters are bloody tough and demand the best equipment you can buy. Furthermore, there are some moments of tactical nuance, luck, and plenty of frustration. Consequently, it is the perfect blend of elements to ensure you keep playing.
The setting for Warhammer 40,000: Shootas, Blood & Teef is grim and grisly. The surrounding landscape is cold, industrial, and lacking in life. Moreover, there are signs of destruction and death around every corner. Subsequently, it works brilliantly with the silly characters and the overarching story. Furthermore, the comic book style, clean lines, and earthy colour palette complement the Warhammer setting.
This aside, you’ll adore the brutal explosions, the flying limbs, and the horrendous decapitations. On top of this, the guns look incredible; the animation is smooth, and your foes are varied. In short, it looks amazing without relying on ultra-realistic graphics,
The audio is equally good. With screaming orcs, thunderous weapons, and ear-splitting music, it is uber-aggressive and totally overwhelming. Now, normally, this would be horrific, but not in this instance. Instead, the cacophony of noises is uncomfortably brilliant. What’s more, they add drama and tension to an otherwise silly endeavour.
This looks like a fair fight.
Accurate controls.
The combination of genres demands an incredibly responsive and accurate control setup. Fortunately, Warhammer 40,000: Shootas, Blood & Teef didn’t disappoint. Every element worked well thanks to the excellent UI and brilliant button layout. Alongside this, a simple tutorial outlines the fundamentals without testing your resolve.
What was particularly great was the ability to play this with friends. After all, everyone should be able to join in an orc invasion, right? Well, this excellent choice from the developers enhances both replay value and longevity. Moreover, the vast selection of weapons and the challenging boss battles will keep you coming back for more.
Warhammer 40,000: Shootas, Blood & Teef is brilliantly absurd.
Combining these genres with this setting could have been disastrous. Instead, Rogueside got the balance just right. Consequently, the end result is something that is both brilliant and absurd. Yes, its action will make you scream with rage. However, you’ll laugh repeatedly, and want to return for more. As such, I can easily recommend that you buy it here! Theft is never acceptable. Therefore, get revenge the only way you know how. Grab your gun, kill everything in sight, and become the new warlord.
If you are into any sort of simulation game, you’ll want the most realistic experience possible. Consequently, whenever a special controller is designed, fans will leap at the chance to buy it. If you love flying games, specifically Microsoft Flight Simulator, then news of the Alpha Flight Controls XPC device will make your heart sing.
This advanced tool ensures that the user will have the most realistic experience possible. What’s more, this incredible controller is extremely well-built and is compatible with Xbox and PC. Furthermore, it has been designed alongside pilots and flight engineers and this ensures the most realistic flying experience to date.
What makes the Alpha Flight Controls XPC stand out?
There are plenty of fantastic flight sim controllers. As such, what makes the Alpha Flight Controls XPC stand out from its peers? It features a NEW front grill design, a full 180° yoke rotation with upgraded hall effect sensors to provide smooth precision with no centre detent. The base includes a switch panel with master, alternator, avionics, and light switches as well as a spring-loaded 5-position ignition switch. The left and right handles feature 13 programmable buttons and switches for fully customisable flight.
Key features.
The left handle features one 8-way hat switch, two Vertical 2-way rocker switches, a button and a Push to Talk Button.
Right handle features two Horizontal 2-Way rocker switches, one large & one small button.
Solid steel yoke shaft with dual linear ball bearings.
180° Yoke rotation.
5-Position spring-loaded ignition switch.
Switch panel with a total of 9 switches.
Universal Panel-Mounting System.
Adjustable cockpit backlighting.
Smooth matte finish on the panel and on the main yoke.
Easy conversion between Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC.
New high-end 12-Bit Hall Effect Sensors with 400% increased resolution.
What are you waiting for?
If you love your flying games, then this is a no-brainer. This exquisite device will be a conversation starter and an amazing way to enhance your time in the air. Furthermore, its versatility makes it even more desirable. With excellent build quality, quality features, and an affordable price point, this will make every aviation fan extremely pleased. Consequently, why not check it out here?
(More information on Flyhoneycomb can be found here!)
Halloween has come and gone, so that can only mean one thing….Christmas is just around the corner. As we all know, the festive period is a time for sharing and giving. Therefore, why not treat the gamer in your life to something truly special this December the 25th? SteelSeries is renowned for its excellent products, so why not allow me to shorten the list for you?
Thankfully, SteelSeries have something for all budgets. Whether you are buying for a pro gamer, a casual player, or looking to stuff those stockings with simple items, you need to look no further. What’s more, whatever product you invest in, you are assured of market-leading build quality and enviable technology.
Gifts for serious gamers.
The pro gamer in your life will want the best that money can get. Whether it is a stunning keyboard, an accurate and responsive mouse, booming speakers, or immersive headphones, only the best will do. Luckily, SteelSeries has your back thanks to the Apex keyboards, the Arena speakers, Arctisheadsets and the wireless pro mice.
The Apex keyboards are a wonderful addition to every setup. With stunning RGB, ultra-responsive inputs, and an array of sizes on offer, these keyboards are bound to impress. Alongside this, the Prime Mini Mouse is the perfect accompaniment. Its small ergonomic shape fits nicely into your hands, what’s more, at 73g it reduces fatigue whenever you endure lengthy gaming sessions. Alongside this, it is durable, has a non-slip grip, and its prestige OM switches deliver consistent crispy clicks.
If audio is what you are after, then you have to consider the phenomenal Arctis headphones. The Arctis Nova 7, Pro, or Pro Wireless will bowl over anyone that opens them on Christmas day. This award-winning range of headphones delivers incredible sound quality as well as comfort and amazing build quality. On top of this, the microphones deliver crystal clear and competitive level voice pickup. The Pro versions are super immersive thanks to the Sonar Audio Software Suite. Finally, each device can be used on multiple platforms and this makes them desirable and versatile.
So, headphones aren’t your thing. How about considering any of the Arena speakers on offer? Arena 3, 7, and 9 are all available to impress that special person in your life. Each set of speakers delivers unrivalled sound quality at an affordable price. Whether you want a crisp, powerful, but simple setup or you want to go the whole hog and create a cinematic experience, the choice is yours.
SteelSeries focuses on casual gamers.
If you are a casual gamer, you still want an amazing setup. Fortunately, SteelSeries has some great products to cater for your needs. Like the serious gamers category, there are some wonderful headphones, incredible keyboards, awesome speakers, and vivid mice to choose from.
Audio.
The Arctis Nova headphones are the perfect choice for a more relaxed player. You can select the Arctis Nova 7, 3, or 1 depending on your budget, or your needs. Accordingly, each device delivers the same amazing quality sound, but some features are missing as your budget decreases. However, the recipient will still adore whichever gift he/she is given. Like the Pro versions, these headphones look great, are built to last, and deliver excellent and immersive sound. On top of this, the microphones are great; they are built for multi-platform use, and they stand out from the crowd.
The Arena 3 speakers cross the boundaries between pro and casual gaming. Why? Because they deliver incredible sound without overcomplicating the matter. Moreover, they are available at an excellent price point and are easy to set up. The Bluetooth and wired connection work in conjunction with the simple and intuitive controls to enhance the gaming experience further still. Alongside this, the speakers deliver a stunning range of tones as well as deep and rich bass, no matter what you are playing.
Peripherals.
How about an amazing keyboard instead? Well, the Apex 3 TKL is a compact and streamlined tenkeyless keyboard that outshines the competition. Thanks to its vivid RGB lighting display, IP32 water and dust resistance, dedicated media controls, and three-way cable routing, it fulfils every gamer’s needs. However, if a TKL version doesn’t take your fancy, there is a full-sized version that packs in the same features without breaking the bank.
Finally, we have the Aerox 3 wireless mouse. This beautiful mouse is backlit with a stunning RGB light rig and protected by a translucent honeycomb shell. Alongside that, it weighs only 68g, has ultra-responsive trigger inputs, and moves smoothly thanks to the PTFE sliders. Moreover, it has a whopping 200-hour battery life and is compatible with fast charging. However, if you dislike a wireless device, a wired version is also available.
Cloud Gaming.
Cloud gaming is the future. As such, SteelSeries doesn’t want to get left behind. Subsequently, they have three fantastic products if you play on the move. The Arctis Prime and Nova 7 headphones will change your mobile gaming experience forevermore. Alongside this, the Stratus+ controller delivers responsive inputs, comfortable build quality, and a high-powered battery to keep you gaming for hours.
The Arctis Prime headphones have been developed alongside the industry’s brightest stars. As such, they are lightweight, comfortable, versatile, offer incredible sound, and have a noise-cancelling mic. On top of this, the leatherette ear-cups are cool and help to reduce unwanted background noises. Consequently, they are the perfect gift for a competitive gamer who loves mobile gaming.
Alternatively, the Nova 7 headphones may pique your interest. With a 38-hour battery life, excellent connectivity via Bluetooth or 2.4GHz audio streams, and a customisable listening experience via the Sonar Audio Software Suite, these deliver next level sound. Furthermore, you can select between PC, Mac, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch, thanks to the USB-C connection. However, there is an Xbox-specific model if you enjoy Cloud and console gaming.
Finally, the Stratus+controller is a game-changer. This extremely well-built and comfortable controller looks amazing and feels great. Thanks to its ergonomic design, responsive triggers and buttons, and tactile feel, it’ll vastly improve your gaming experience. What’s more, it’s an incredible 90+ hour battery life. Therefore, you won’t run out of juice mid-session. Alongside this, it is certified for Chromebook and is a recommended controller for GeForce NOW.
SteelSeries has Christmas wrapped up.
This guide is just the tip of the iceberg, and SteelSeries have plenty of phenomenal devices on offer this festive period. Whether you are a PC, Mac, Console, or Cloud gamer, there is something for everyone. Furthermore, every budget has been accounted for. Accordingly, why not take a look at what they offer and treat that special person in your life?
(More information on SteelSeries can be found here!)
We’ve all been there! You go to a new city and suddenly hunger pangs strike. However, you have no idea where to eat, or what restaurant is good. Furthermore, you don’t want to disrupt your travel plans, so what are you going to do? Well, you could use Google, Bing, or another much-loved search engine. Yet, this won’t give you all the information you desire in one helpful place. So, what’s the solution? Mamakoo hopes to provide the answer with its helpful app and website.
This highly-rated service is receiving stellar reviews on both Android and iOS stores. Why? Well, it is intuitive, convenient, and full of handy information for many key locations. What’s more, it highlights key tourist attractions, has a built-in map, and allows its user base to recommend each restaurant. Consequently, you feel confident in your choices and can inform others of your experiences.
Mamakoo is a great travelling companion.
What particularly impressed me was the vast selection of locations on offer. Europe, Asia Pacific, the Americas, Canada, and the Middle East are represented. Yes, there are limited locales for each continent at the moment, but it shows the potential. Furthermore, Mamakoo easily allows you to flick from place to place. However, there is one major drawback, and that is the cost! At $19.99 per city, it is far too expensive to justify the outlay. I, like many, would expect a one-off price that covers a continent, or the entire catalogue of information. In its current build, there are few people who’d value its resources, especially as the aforementioned search engines are free to use.
Alongside this, the core tabs for each city are missing some padding and depth. The app highlights favourite and renowned dishes with a minor description of each one. But it gives no history or reason behind its origins. Moreover, the tourist landmark section offers no insight into key information or even minor facts. Instead, it details restaurants or eateries in the vicinity. Now, I liked the details of each locale, but a bit more meat on the bone would have been incredible.
On top of this, I found the filter system to be user-friendly and easy to understand. Changing the price was straightforward, and this pinpoints your search perfectly. Furthermore, the map allows you to select specific locations via name or postcode. From here, you are given a thorough list of options to select from. So, finding the perfect restaurant is only one click away.
Is it worth it?
Usually, I can concisely conclude a review. In this case, however, it isn’t so simple. This app has some incredible uses and an awful lot of potential. Yet, its user base will demand a high-end product that is slick and straightforward, while incorporating that “wow” factor. In its current build, you can see these elements coming together. But, it needs some more depth before it reaches those heights.
On top of this, the price point is off-putting. If Mamakoo included a vast history of each place and plenty more depth to its tabs, then it may be worth the investment. However, at the moment, it doesn’t justify such a large outlay. Instead, I believe all the resources should be consolidated into a one-off purchase.
If the developers can iron out the creases, and add depth to their product, then it will be fantastic. What’s more, foodies and travellers will love this companion app as it saves time, hassle, and energy. Though I have my complaints, I loved it nonetheless. As such, I recommend you try it here for Android, or here for iOS!
A new electronic device is a guilty pleasure for many. However, what often gets overlooked is your power supply. This incredibly important component can be the difference between a disappointing performance and a reassuringly great time. As such, when I was offered the Belkin 4-way Power Strip, I didn’t hesitate.
This intelligent and well-built accessory is robust, has a built-in surge protector, and has 2 USB-A ports as standard. What’s more, the sockets are child resistant, it has an independent switch, and it has a whopping £20,000 connected equipment warranty. Subsequently, I felt extremely confident when plugging in my expensive tech.
What’s in the box of the Belkin 4-way Power Strip?
The rectangular packaging safely houses the contents. Furthermore, it is fully recyclable, and that’s fantastic. Visually, it is striking with a simple but effective colour palette.
The Belkin 4-way Power Strip is a commanding size. What’s more, it is robust and easy to use, and the surge protector has a clear indicator. At the bottom are two USB ports to increase usability.
Warranty card. A useful document in case anything goes wrong.
Eye-catching packaging. The warranty card. The complete package. Belkin 4-way Power Strip.
Technical aspects.
If you work from home or have a large family, socket space is at a premium. Therefore, expanding your options without an electrician’s help is a must. Accordingly, this power strip is a convenient and safe way to power more devices at once.
With its 13A-rated socket and power surge protection, it is easy to use, while preventing your goods from unwanted damage. The protection system prevents power surges, lightning strikes and AC contamination from damaging your home electronics. However, if this goes awry, you are protected by the incredible £20,000 warranty.
Another key aspect that impressed me was the child resistant sockets. If you have little ones in your life, you’ll know all about socket covers. Accordingly, these handy little tools prevent little fingers from getting electrocuted. Thankfully, the Belkin 4-way Power Strip is designed to resist such intrusions. However, it is not infallible, so some common sense is still a must.
Is the Belkin 4-way Power Strip worth it?
Somehow, Belkin has managed to make a boring aspect of your setup a little more interesting. Thanks to its incredible design and flexible approach, it is the perfect tool for most households. What’s more, it looks great and has a reassuring protection warranty.
Alongside this, you get a 1-year user warranty as standard, built-in surge protection, and 2 handy USB ports. In short, it’s an unsung hero that’ll improve your setup immediately. Unsurprisingly, I was impressed, and I recommend you buy it here!
